The best thing about most of the myths is that a large number of people believe in them. However, there is nothing better in the world than to debunk myths. There are a number of misconceptions and myths that still encapsulate the world we live in. The reason for which a large number of myths still exist lies in the human need for believing in these things. The purpose of this put an end to these common myths and to show the world science and rationalism are the essence of humanity. Here are the 10 most common and ridiculous myths related to science.
10. Evolution
It has been believed for a long time that evolution is the process that causes a person to grow from smaller to larger. It is a fact that evolution does influence the defective genes and discards them but still there are also examples of unfit organisms who have been able to survive. The examples are: fungi, mosses and many others. It should be noted that fitness of survival is linked to the environment which surrounds the organism and not the levels of progress it has made.
- Human Popping in Space
The myth in this regard is that the human body pops up in a second or so if exposed to the atmosphere of the space. However, a number of scientific findings have been confirmed that humans can survive for 15 to 30 seconds in space. The idea is to prevent the gases from going to into the bloodstream and ensuring higher levels of oxygen also. Due to the lack of oxygen in the environment and in the blood, unconsciousness is experienced followed by death.
- Polaris
It has been strongly believed that Polaris happens to be the brightest star among all the stars in the Northern Hemisphere. However, it has been reported that Sirius is much brighter in comparison to Polaris. Polaris might be the brightest North Star but still there is lack of evidence in this regard.
- Five Seconds
Some people believe that food that is dropped on the floor can be consumed safely within five seconds. This myth is indeed one of the most ridiculous ones. Whenever food is dropped to floor, the germs stick to them instantly. Studies do show that a few germs are required for keeping your immune system strong and robust.
- The Dark Side of the Moon
This myth is based on the belief that there is a dark side of the moon which is not always visible. However, the fact is every single region of the moon is illuminated by the light of the sun at one time or the other. In other words, there is always some side of the moon that is not visible on earth. Another reason is the gravitational pull of the earth on the moon due to which only face of is visible to us at one time.
- Brain Cells
It is believed by many that the cells inside the brain cannot regenerate. In other words, if a brain cell is killed, it will never be replaced. However, this myth has been completely discarded by neurologists and neuroscientists. It is now confirmed that brain cells inside the brains of mature humans can easily regenerate. There are also a number of studies that have reported the regeneration of brain cells inside the memory and other learning centers of the brain.
- Penny from the Heavens
The myth is that if a penny is dropped from a very high building, it can easily kill a pedestrian below. The idea here is that the penny is going to pick up a very high speed and is going to kill the person below at the spot just like a bullet. The only thing the person is going to feel in reality is just a sting. He or she will be able to survive this little impact. The problem lies in the aerodynamics of a penny which never allow it to pick a great speed or become too deadly.
- Meteor Friction
It has been shown in a number of movies that meteors entering the atmosphere of the earth are heated by friction. In reality, the speed of compression which the meteor experiences is the reason behind its immense heating. The meteors are also found to be really cold once they hit the earth. It is an indication that the heat encountered by them during the journey is nothing in comparison to how cold they have been from the start of the journey in space.
- Lightning
Here is another common myth that lightning never strikes at the same place twice. However, the reality is that lightning strikes the same place more often in comparison to other places. For example, in a large field, there is a great likelihood that the tallest structure in the area will be subject to lightning multiple times.
- Gravity
It is believed that there is no gravity in space at all. Yet again, the reality is that there is a lot of gravity. The reason for which astronauts appear to be weightless is that there are always falling towards the earth. In other words, they are always in a state of free fall.
